Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
The amazing poet, Mary Oliver, knows how to get straight to the heart of the matter
Hello my amazing readers!
The first time I read these words, it felt like for a moment time had stopped. I was struck by the profound nature of this heartfelt question that finishes Mary Oliver’s beautiful poem, The Summer Day.
It’s a question that I turn to when I find myself in times of transition and change. Each of us is in a continuous process of evolution, but somedays are more obvious than others.
When you feel lost, confused, or uncertain, this kind of inquiry can clarify the moment. Your answer may give you a sense of direction, even when that includes sitting with the discomfort of the unknown.
My answer to Mary Oliver’s question is reflected this newsletter’s new name… Spark Curiosity, Live Radiantly. It is the power of curiosity that has helped me heal and find my radiant light.
As I’ve mentioned, one thing I’ve decided to do with my WILD and PRECIOUS life is to hike weekly in honor of my mom. She hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at 49, which is how old I am. I’d love to share the story of how I applied curiosity to facing my fear of heights during a hike, and how it bathed me in radiance as I committed to trusting myself and my body.
I selected a hike that had an optional side trail that led to a beautiful outlook. I’d spoken with a friend who knows the trail and my fear and felt like I could do it.
As I started my ascent, the fear began to chatter.
I listened with curiosity for what was needed. I promised myself that I could turn around at any time.
I watched myself move from prayers to settling in on the words “I’m ok”. Repeating the words felt comforting.
Then, my curiosity reminded me of a story of someone who accepted discomfort they were in to get through a hard time. I remember that striking a cord for me internally.
When I verbalized, I am uncomfortable, something shifted inside me. It was as if the spell was broken.
All of the sudden, I became aware of all of the love that was around me and within me. I felt a deep glow of radiance in that moment and a deep appreciation for the journey.
This kind of liberation is what I wish for every person I meet. For when you feel your radiance, you connect to the source of your strength and resilience, a reservoir that can be replenished through art.
I’m really curious to hear how this question touches your heart. I’ve made it the centerpiece of my art prompt, which includes a video to guide you into the art making process! Very excited to offer you this expansion of how I am sharing the creative prompts.
Warmly,
Stephanie
Excerpt from the book…
Since this newsletter is talking about purpose, I thought that this excerpt about the legacy of cancer in the family tree would be resonant.
Looking at how legacy impacts life before diagnosis
I think that all of the therapy that I did, coupled with becoming an art therapist myself saved me from having crippling anxiety about the possibility that I too might get breast cancer. In the back of my mind, I always pondered whether or not I would get cancer. I didn't feel tormented with anxiety about it for the most part, but naturally I couldn't help but wonder.
Despite the heaviness that came from grieving, the legacy of cancer in my life did help me focus on what was important. It motivated me to continuously grow, to take good care of my body, mind, and spirit. It helped me heal from other traumas in my childhood, because I wanted to make sure I was living life as well as I could. The continuous self-reflection had a positive impact on my career as a therapist, and my willingness to show up for who and what mattered most.
Your Creative Prompt for this Issue…
(P.S. you don’t have to be an artist to do this!)
Before doing this exercise, set yourself up for doing some art and writing. Any kind of art medium will work- so chose something you have on hand or treat yourself to a few supplies. Here’s my basic list for starting an art journal.
This newsletter’s creative prompt is what you wish to do with your one wild and precious life. Here’s the YouTube video I made to guide you through the prompt.
When you’re finished making the art, I’d highly recommend doing a free write (answering without editing) about your artwork. Here are some questions that might help you describe what you did:
What happened?
How did it make you feel in that moment?
How do you feel now?
I’d love to hear from you about how this prompt went for you. Feel free to share in the comments below or email me directly!
Behind-The-Scenes Look
The new website is finished! You can check it out here. Now the PR firm can start working with editors to publish the articles I’ve written. There’s this feeling that “it’s all happening” which feels good, even though I’m waiting on pins and needles to see what the editors will think of me and my work.
Upcoming Workshops-
Art Therapy for Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Bra Edition with SBC- happening tonight! @ 6PM EST. For this workshop, you can bring simple art supplies, but if you’re interested in working with a bra, camisole, or t-shirt- feel free to bring it! I’d recommend Sharpies or Acrylic paints for creating on the t-shirt. This Instagram post I created last fall will help you set up your bra/camisole/t-shirt for the workshop.
October 21st from 12-1:30pm, Art Therapy for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the TNBC Foundation, the Breathe with Us series! Another free workshop offered for anyone who’s been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (like me!), all stages welcome, wherever you are in your treatment experience. To learn more, visit TNBC, for registration, click here.